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The team is already without (out for the season) and key arms like Justin Steele and Hunter Harvey .

Despite these setbacks, the North Siders remain in second place in the NL Central. Tonight, they'll need more magic from , who launched a solo shot last night, to counter a Padres lineup led by a red-hot Ty France and Manny Machado . Game Information Matchup: Chicago Cubs @ San Diego Padres Time: 8:40 PM CT (9:40 PM ET) Venue: Petco Park, San Diego, CA TV: Marquee Sports Network and Padres.TV

was just placed on the IL with a flexor strain and is expected to miss eight weeks.

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Injuries have been the central theme of the 2026 campaign. The pitching staff has been particularly hard-hit:

The Cubs (17–12) find themselves at a crossroads in this series. Just a week ago, they were the hottest team in baseball, riding a . Now, after losing three straight—including a heartbreaking 9–7 loss last night where rookie Moisés Ballesteros crushed his first career grand slam—the team is looking for a leader to step up at Petco Park.